At the age of 100, Ms. Zhong Wenyu remains remarkably healthy and full of life. Unlike many elderly people who follow strict, bland diets to preserve their health, she enjoys a wide variety of foods—including favorites of Gen Z such as milk tea and ice cream. Her youthful lifestyle and open-minded attitude have made her an unexpected internet sensation in China.
Living in Shanghai, Ms. Zhong has captured widespread attention on social media as a centenarian food vlogger. Her passion for eating, combined with her cheerful personality and positive outlook on life, has led many netizens to describe her as having a lifestyle just as vibrant as that of much younger generations.
According to Xinmin Evening News, Ms. Zhong turned 100 in September. Contrary to the common belief that longevity depends on a strictly restrained diet, she prefers rich flavors and is not afraid to try modern foods that many elderly people usually avoid. Despite having lost all her teeth, her enthusiasm for food has never faded.
Her daily menu ranges from traditional Chinese dishes to popular drinks and snacks loved by young people, such as milk tea, cola, coffee, and ice cream. She not only enjoys eating at home but also likes going to restaurants and ordering food through online delivery platforms, fully embracing modern conveniences.
Ms. Zhang, her daughter, shared that aside from blood sugar and blood pressure—which need regular monitoring—her mother’s overall health indicators remain normal. To better suit her condition, the family has switched her to sugar-free beverages.
“At her age, there’s no need to be overly strict about food anymore,” Ms. Zhang explained. “We let her eat what she enjoys as long as she’s happy.” She added that Ms. Zhong always eats in moderation and never overeats, which may also contribute to her long-term health.
Ms. Zhong first gained public attention in May after a video of her enjoying crab was posted online by her granddaughter, Xiaodan. In early 2025, Xiaodan created an account called “100-Year-Old Sister Zhong” to document her grandmother’s daily life and dining moments.
“My grandmother has a strong personality and lives very differently from most elderly people,” Xiaodan said. “I just wanted to preserve these interesting moments, and I never expected so many people to be interested.”
While many viewers admire Ms. Zhong and praise her as an “energetic centenarian,” some critics have accused the family of exhausting her by frequently filming eating videos. Xiaodan firmly denied these claims, saying, “Even if I weren’t filming, my grandmother would still eat the same way. This is simply her everyday life.”
According to Ms. Zhang, her mother’s longevity is not only about enjoying food but also about maintaining an optimistic mindset and staying connected to modern society. Ms. Zhong enjoys playing mahjong, using a computer for games, watching TV dramas, and keeping up with the news. She often discusses current social issues with her family, showing a keen interest in the world around her.
Within the family, Ms. Zhong is known for her gentle personality and harmonious relationships. “My mother never focuses on others’ shortcomings. She chooses to see the good in people and is always grateful for the life she has now,” her daughter shared.
Born and raised in Chongqing in southwestern China, Ms. Zhong experienced a difficult childhood marked by war and poverty. These hardships shaped her deep appreciation for peace and prosperity in later life. Having witnessed China’s dramatic transformation over the decades, she often says that life today is hundreds of times better than before and therefore not worth complaining about.
The story of this food-loving 100-year-old grandmother has not only entertained social media users but also inspired many to rethink aging. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that longevity is not just about discipline and restriction, but also about joy, openness, gratitude, and embracing each stage of life with enthusiasm.
